Aromatherapy has been around for thousands of years, but it has recently grown in popularity in the United States as a way to boost overall well-being.
Aromatherapy is the practice of using various essential oils, extracted from plants, with the goal of improving the health of the mind and body. Before using essential oils on your own, it’s important to understand their capabilities and limitations. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about aromatherapy and essential oils.
What are essential oils?
Essential oils are derived from aromatic plant material in leaves, bark, or peels. They can also be made synthetically; however, some users consider oils that are produced with chemical solvents to be inauthentic.
Essential oils can be diffused into the air for inhalation or applied topically. You can rub the oils on the body (such as on the bottom of the feet for reflexology), or put them into bath water. Most topical applications are diluted. Inhalation has a faster effect, as topical applications must go through the fat layers of the skin.
Why are essential oils used?
Each essential oil has a unique chemical makeup depending on the plant source. Some commonly used essential oils are lavender, chamomile, tea tree, geranium, ginger, bergamot, lemon, and cedarwood. Each essential oil has a unique scent and purported benefit.
People use essential oils for a range of reasons, including to lift their mood, reduce anxiety, relieve nausea, and even to treat certain health conditions. For example, people use lavender to promote calmness, peppermint oil to aid in digestion, eucalyptus oil to relieve congestion, and tea tree oil to combat blemishes.
Are essential oils effective?
Some companies selling essential oils have made big promises touting their ability to cure diseases, balance hormones, boost the immune system, increase energy, aid sleep, and even provide relief from migraines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently cracked down on health claims made by companies that sell essential oils. Essential oil products must now meet FDA requirements for safety and effectiveness if they claim to treat disease, prevent disease, or have an effect on body function.
A systematic review of 10 studies on essential oils revealed no convincing evidence of the effectiveness of essential oils in treating health conditions. However, there is conflicting evidence that aromatherapy has positive effects on mood and behavior. For example, essential oils and massage have been used by cancer patients to help with pain, anxiety, and distress. Yet, the effectiveness is inconclusive, as the studies have been small.
Are essential oils safe?
Some essential oils are designated as "GRAS," or "Generally Recognized As Safe," by the FDA with few risks and side effects if used as directed. Inhalation and topical applications of aromatherapy are generally considered safe. However, some skin irritations can occur if the skin is in contact with essential oils for an extended period of time or has prolonged exposure to the sun. Before using essential oils, consult your doctor.
How do I find an aromatherapist?
An aromatherapist is trained to administer essential oils safely. For guidance on finding an aromatherapist who meets national educational standards, check out the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists.
Jean Cherry, RN, MBA, is passionate about educating others about healthy lifestyle choices through her writing for Walgreens. You can find an array of natural skin and beauty products like moisturizers at Walgreens.com.
Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Walgreens does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned in the article. Reliance on any information provided by this article is solely at your own risk.
